U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Tammy Duckworth, Mark Warner, Ed Markey, and Jeanne Shaheen have introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026. The bill aims to strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) safety oversight by improving its ability to identify and address aviation safety issues.
Senator Cantwell emphasized the need for the FAA to ensure its own safety management system (SMS) is effective if it is to oversee those of regulated entities. She stated, "The FAA must ensure that its own safety management system (SMS) is working well if the agency is going to properly oversee the SMSs of those it regulates. Following years of weak oversight which contributed to the DCA mid-air collision, the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 door-plug incident, and the Ethiopian and Indonesian crashes, it’s past time to bring in outside safety experts to examine and recommend how FAA can create an agency-wide SMS to be most effective in identifying and correcting safety risks to prevent future incidents."
Senator Duckworth highlighted recent aviation incidents as reasons for action: “From the deadly DCA crash to the spike in near misses and air traffic control equipment outages, there are too many alarm bells ringing that we must strengthen safety in our aviation system. It’s the FAA’s job to keep the flying public safe, so it only makes sense that the FAA should be held to the highest standard of safety when it comes to its own policies and procedures. Our bill seeks to ensure that the FAA is optimizing effectiveness in its work to strengthen aviation safety and protect passengers and crew.”
Senator Warner referenced a significant accident: “As we approach the one-year mark of the mid-air collision between American Airlines flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Airport, it is our responsibility as legislators to make sure that nothing like that tragic crash ever happens again. This bill creates an independent, expert-driven process to identify system-wide safety improvements so that they can be addressed in order to prevent another tragedy.”
Senator Shaheen added: “Increasingly frequent near-misses and close calls over the last several years—coupled with recent aviation tragedies—are important reminders that we must do more to keep our skies safe, and that all starts at the top with the FAA. By establishing an independent panel of experts to make recommendations for an agency-wide safety management system, our legislation would address long-standing concerns at FAA and help keep the flying public safe.”
The proposed legislation instructs the FAA Administrator to establish an independent review panel composed of outside experts who will recommend ways for a comprehensive agency-wide SMS. This panel will also assess individual SMS practices within critical offices such as Air Traffic Organization and Aviation Safety Organization.
In his response after his nomination hearing before Congress, current FAA Administrator Bedford expressed support for a stronger agency-wide SMS aligned with efforts outlined in "FAA’s Flight Plan 2026".
A preliminary report from National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that before a January 29, 2025 mid-air collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport—which resulted in 67 fatalities—the FAA had not acted on data showing over 15,000 near misses between helicopters and commercial aircraft at DCA during three years prior.
The bill directs review not only of agency-wide processes but also voluntary employee reporting systems within FAA—a topic raised by air traffic controllers during NTSB hearings into recent collisions.
Family members affected by accidents have voiced support for this initiative: “Senator Cantwell has long understood the importance of an effective safety management system at the FAA... If a functioning safety management system had been in place, our loved ones might be alive today.” Families of Flight 5342
Tim & Sheri Lilley commented: “In December, we spoke with FAA Administrator Bedford about his plans... We commend Senator Cantwell’s continued leadership and strongly support her efforts..."
Dr. Javier De Luis from MIT said: “Safety Management Systems have proven... This bill helps ensure that the FAA itself has an effective SMS..."
Dr. Najmedin Meshkati from USC stated: "I enthusiastically support this legislation..."
Bret Oestreich from Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association noted: “Frontline aviation maintenance professionals are... The FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2026 reinforces... Strong oversight... are essential..."
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association thanked Senator Cantwell for introducing this act.
Captain Jason Ambrosi from Air Line Pilots Association International said: “We thank Senator Cantwell for her continued leadership on aviation safety..."
First Officer Nick Silva from Allied Pilots Association remarked: "As frontline operators... While the FAA has mandated SMS for airlines..., it is essential that ...this bill is entirely necessary..."
Captain Jody Reven from Southwest Airlines Pilots Association added: “The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) strongly supports ... As professional pilots ...we know ...a robust Safety Management System (SMS) is a cornerstone..."
This legislative proposal follows previous models such as Section 103 of Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act passed after Boeing 737 MAX crashes which led experts’ panels recommending reforms at both Boeing and within regulatory frameworks.
Senator Cantwell previously included similar provisions following notable incidents like Alaska Airlines flight 1282 door plug failure; she has also called attention during committee hearings about broader cultural issues within regulatory agencies overseeing aviation manufacturers.
Dr. Najmedin Meshkati previously recommended establishing such a panel when testifying before Congress regarding Boeing's culture review.
Under Senator Cantwell's leadership as Commerce Committee Chairperson:
- The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024 was enacted focusing on controller hiring/staffing.
- The landmark Aircraft Certification Act increased manufacturer oversight post-737 MAX crashes.
- Additional actions were taken after January's fatal collision including requests for military policy clarification on ADS-B technology use around airports.
A section-by-section summary as well as full text of this new bill are available online.
